Considered to be the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Greece is truly beautiful. With more than 6,000 Greek islands, Greece is the starting point for the ancient and modern Olympic Games as well as the playground of Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. For the ultimate trip follow these simple travel tips before traveling to Greece!
When to go:
Normally, the best time to visit Greece is late spring and early fall. In May and June the days are warm, sometimes hot, and the sea water is nice and warm from the sun. If you want to sightsee around the islands or hit the beach, this would be the best time to go. July and August are usually very busy, especially on all of the islands. You should plan ahead and be prepared because there will be many other travelers booking trips around this time as well. September and October are a good alternative to spring and early summer, especially in the cities where bars and cultural institutions reopen. Elsewhere, things begin to shut down in November. Transportation to the islands is limited in winter, and many hotels outside large cities are closed until April.
Climate:
The climate in Greece is typically Mediterranean. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are cool and wet. The weather becomes chillier and rain begins in November. Spring and fall are perfect, with warm days and balmy evenings. In the south a hot wind may blow across the Mediterranean from Africa.
What to pack:
If you’re visiting Greece in the summer, you should pack lightweight and casual clothing, as well as bathing suits and comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, so you’ll want to be comfortable. Sometimes the evenings can get cool, so you should bring a light sweater or jacket. You’ll definitely need sunglasses or a sun hat and some sun block! If you’re visiting Greece in the spring or fall, you should be prepared for some rain and cooler weather (neither of with you’d have to worry about in the summer). If you plan on visiting religious sites such as churches or monasteries, remember to pack more conservative clothes.
Learn the basics:
yiá sou – hello/good-bye, informal for one person
yiá sas – hello/good-bye, formal for one person and used for a group
miláte angliká? – do you speak English?
den katalavéno – I don’t understand
parakaló – please/you’re welcome
signómi – excuse me
efharistó – thank you
ne – yes
óhee – no
pósso? – how much?
pou eéne …? – where is…?
Click here for a day-to-day itinerary that you can use as a guide for your trip!